Co-drivers in Spain could face alcohol tests under proposed driving rules Credit : Andrey_Popov, Shutterstock
Spain is moving closer to allowing 17-year-olds to drive, but there is one detail that is catching people off guard. The adult sitting in the passenger seat will not just be there for reassurance. Under the proposed rules, the supervising co-driver could also be stopped and tested for alcohol or drugs, just like the person behind the wheel.
This change comes from a European directive that introduces supervised driving before the age of 18. Spain has not yet applied the system, but the framework is already clear. And for families, the focus is shifting as much to the passenger seat as it is to the driver.
Why the co-driver matters under the new driving rules
When people hear that 17-year-olds may soon be allowed to drive, the first reaction is often about the young driver. But the real responsibility sits partly with the adult next to them.
This is not a casual passenger role. The co-driver is expected to guide, observe and step in if needed. They are there to support the learner in real traffic situations, not just to tick a legal box. Because of that, their condition matters.
If the adult has been drinking or is under the influence of drugs, they are no longer able to supervise properly. That is why the rules allow authorities to carry out roadside checks on the co-driver as well.
It may feel unusual at first, but from a safety point of view, it is consistent. The system treats the supervising adult as part of the driving process, not as someone who is simply along for the ride.
What the rules say about who can sit in that seat
Not everyone will be allowed to act as a co-driver. The conditions are quite strict. The person must be at least 24 years old, must hold a valid EU driving licence and must have had that licence for at least five years. They must also not have been banned from driving in the last five years.
These requirements are there for a reason. The idea is to make sure that the person supervising has enough experience to handle different situations and guide a new driver calmly. Someone who has only recently passed their test would not meet that standard.
There is also room for Spain to go further. The European rules allow countries to introduce additional conditions if they want to strengthen the system. That could include limiting how many young drivers one person can supervise or adding extra checks.
For now, those details are still being worked out.
How driving at 17 would actually work
The system itself is fairly straightforward. A 17-year-old would go through the same steps as any other learner. That means theory lessons, exams and a practical driving test. Passing those would lead to a licence.
The difference comes after that. Until the driver turns 18, they would only be allowed to drive with a qualified adult in the passenger seat. This would be clearly marked on the licence with a specific code, making it easy for police to identify drivers under this rule.
Once they reach 18, the restriction is lifted and they can drive on their own.
Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, is already working on how to introduce this system. The European directive sets a deadline of November 2028 for countries to adapt their laws.
Why alcohol and drug checks include the co-driver
This is the part that raises the most questions. Why test someone who is not actually driving? The answer lies in the role they play.
The co-driver is there to supervise, correct and guide. If they are not fully alert, that support disappears. In some situations, it could even make things worse if the advice they give is delayed or unclear.
By allowing checks on both people in the car, authorities are trying to keep the supervision meaningful.
It also sends a clear message. If you agree to sit next to a young driver, you take on a responsibility that comes with rules.
In practice, it means that anyone acting as a co-driver will need to treat the situation as seriously as if they were driving themselves.
What this could mean for families
For many families, this system will change the way driving is introduced. Parents are likely to be the main co-drivers, which means they will need to be fully aware of the responsibility involved. It is not just about helping their child gain confidence. It also means respecting the same standards expected of a driver.
For young people, it opens a door earlier than before. Being able to drive at 17 could make a difference, especially for those living in areas where public transport is limited. It can help with studies, work or daily life.
But that freedom comes with conditions. Every journey involves supervision, and that supervision has to be taken seriously.
Why Spain is looking at this model now
The approach is based on a system already used in countries like Germany. The idea is to give new drivers more time to learn under guidance rather than leaving them to manage everything alone from the start. Experience is built gradually, with support in real situations.
From a road safety point of view, that can make a difference.
Instead of going from lessons straight to independent driving, there is a transition period where mistakes can be corrected in real time.
Spain sees potential in that model, particularly for younger drivers who may benefit from extra support during their first months on the road.
A small detail that changes the whole picture
At first glance, the headline is about 17-year-olds driving. But the detail that stands out is the role of the co-driver.
They are not just a passenger. They are part of the system, with responsibilities that come with it. And that includes something many people would not expect.
If the rules go ahead as planned, sitting in the passenger seat could mean being breath tested or checked for drugs, simply because you are there to supervise.
It is a small shift on paper, but it changes how driving is shared between two people. And that is likely to be the part most people remember.
